Documentary set for NHS roll-out is shortlisted for prestigious film award

A hard-hitting documentary by filmmakers from the University of Lincoln which depicts the difficulties faced by Gypsy and Traveller communities has been nominated for a Royal Television Society Award, and is set to be rolled out as part of a pioneering NHS training scheme.

From Cradle to Grave is a documentary film highlighting the range of problems encountered by Travellers and Gypsies when looking to receive treatment from the National Health Service.

The film, which was created by Sensei Creative Productions, the media production company of Barnie Choudhury, Principal Lecturer in the University of Lincoln’s School of Journalism, has been shortlisted for The Diversity Award at the Royal Television Society Midlands Awards.

As well as receiving recognition from leading lights of the film industry, From Cradle to Grave has been acknowledged by the NHS as a valuable tool for raising awareness among staff about the sensitivities of working with these minority communities. It will now be rolled out as part of a training scheme for staff and carers across the UK.

The film was commissioned by Kate Davies OBE, NHS Executive Lead for Prison and Offender Health and Executive Lead for Equalities in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Kate said: "This is an excellent film and it will help to improve the understanding of Traveller and Gypsy communities. It will help in so many ways, including screening, immunisation and, in particular, the MMR programmes. I'm delighted that NHS Nottingham was able to commission and support the making of From Cradle to Grave."

Barnie created the documentary alongside two award-winning alumni from the University of Lincoln’s School of Journalism, Josh Jackson and Oliver Perkins. Between them, Josh and Oliver are previous winners of a collection of national media accolades, collecting titles in the MIND Media Awards, BJTC Awards and BBC Connect & Create awards. Together, the trio gained access to local Traveller communities to document their lives.

Barnie said: "From Cradle to Grave pulls no punches. It took months of winning the trust of these communities before we could film. It was important that they trusted us, supported the idea and liked the end result. The entire project was a real partnership, from the NHS commissioning a project that highlights potential faults, to those who allowed us to film them, and the way our team worked together.

“It was a pleasure to work alongside Josh and Oliver. One thing that we are passionate about at the Lincoln School of Journalism is making sure we spot real talent and develop it, while also guiding and mentoring our students by hiring them for professional work once they graduate. Asking Josh and Oli to help me make such a sensitive film really was a no-brainer. After all, they are both award-winning journalists.

“We are all delighted to be nominated for the RTS Midlands Awards. I know that the standard of nominees this year is particularly high, so it is surreal to think this film was judged by my peers and thought worthy of recognition."

The winners of the RTS Midlands Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday 17th October 2013, hosted by BBC journalist Nina Nannar at the Albany Suite, Holiday Inn Birmingham.